Blair Stevenson Named Dean of Academic Affairs at Berklee Valencia

Blair Stevenson, educator, strategic advisor, and leader at the intersection of arts, innovation, and education, has been appointed Dean of Academic Affairs at Berklee’s campus in Valencia, Spain. 

A dual Finnish and Canadian citizen with over 20 years of experience in higher education, Stevenson has most recently been working at Oulu University of Applied Sciences in Finland, where he has led the development of hybrid master's degree programs and pre-incubators closely connected to the university’s arts-based disciplines, including music, dance, and graphic design. His work has also involved expanding teams and experimental infrastructure for the university’s new Arts Innovation research program.

“It is with great excitement that we welcome Blair to the Berklee Valencia team,” said Simone Pilon, executive director at the Valencia campus. “Blair’s collaborative approach, his background in higher education, and his deep understanding of the North American and European higher education landscapes, along with his extensive experience in EU-funded projects and international networks, will bring invaluable opportunities to our students and the Berklee Valencia community.”

Stevenson’s expertise extends beyond Europe. He has collaborated with North American institutions, such as the University of Pennsylvania and Northeastern University, and has held adjunct professorships at the University of Toronto and Toronto Metropolitan University. In addition, he holds a PhD in education from the University of Oulu in Finland and has a background as an entrepreneur in the fields of program evaluation and training in Canada. 

Stevenson will join the Berklee Valencia team effective May 12, 2025. He will play a key role in shaping the academic strategy of the campus, ensuring alignment with Berklee’s global vision and providing direction on curriculum development, accreditation, and program assessment while fostering innovation and collaboration across academic programs. His appointment reinforces the campus commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and global collaboration.